Sewing project: Scrap buster pillows

The MIL visited recently and she carried with her my first ever sewing machine. I am now the proud owner of a sewing machine. Can I get any more domestic?

To top that, she also put together a sewing kit for me, complete with needles, scissors, tape measures and more. Yes, I know she can be quite frank and honest, but I also know she cares for me very much. She’s proven that to me time and time again.

But I digress.

I found this tutorial by Cluck Cluck Sew by stalking Sew Pony. MIL said I should start to crawl before I go running so I tested my skills on a small cushion cover for a cushion that’s been ravaged by time and dogs. And this is what I came up with.

But it came with casualties as well. The tutorial required the use of an appliqué material, a material I’ve NEVER tried to use before or came across before (I love it though, awesome material!). I tried to follow the instructions that came with the appliqué but you must remember that English is not my first language (gasp, true I swear!). So I tried to desperately understand it and the appliqué ended up sticking my scraps onto the ironing board. I had to buy a new ironing board cover.

“Place adhesive, paper side up on the back (or wrong side) of material to be bonded.”

Even my husband did the wrong thing after reading the attached directions.

This should say, “Place the wrong side of your material on top of the adhesive side of Heat n Bond appliqué.” Shouldn’t it?

Anyway, that mistake aside, I still managed to finish the two cushion covers for the two cushions MIL left with us. Tadaaaa!!! Crawl? No way! Why walk when you can fly! I have the magic fingers for domesticity bebeh (except for cooking healthy meals).

I loooove them. Next project, upcycling my daughter’s very tight dress that she keeps wanting to wear (idea from Mummy’s Dress).

I am jealous!!! I always wanted to sew! I have so many clothes that I want to fix or make but I just don’t know how to use the sewing machine. MIL also has a sewing machine in the house that nobody uses anymore. I will try to find time to learn how to use it. Good for you!! 🙂

In the US most sewing classes begin with a pillow or pillow case. The idea is a fairly simple, low stress project, to learn about seam allowances, how to thread the machine and sew a straight seam, how to turn a corner. These are basic skills. Pillows are small enough to finish and have the DONE!!! Glory minute that encourages us to try another project. A fancier pillow, a top, a wrap skirt…

Many people that sew had helpers at the beginning that shared advice, thread, needles, extra thingees and doo hickies to get them started. My Mom and Meme and Grandma and Great Aunt Ernestine… all helped me. Recently I have been helping a younger sister of my daughter’s best friend… Keep up the good work.